Jenna Marie Poppins

2.5 Days Left in Verdun

2009-06-30T14:26:23Z

So here it is, never thought it would arrive, but I only have the rest of today, Wednesday and Thursday left in Verdun. After that I'll be at the Chateau in Beaujeu until the 11th when I take the train into Paris and stay with Chris & Duane's fantastic friends who are so nice as to let me visit them (and finally meet them!).

The last few days have been fun. Well, you know, maybe everything seems a little sunnier with the light visible at the end of the tunnel. Saturday night Cyrille convinced me that I should go get a drink and listen to the band that was playing on the quai. So I did, was a little disappointed and felt lonely in the crowd so I finished it up and decided to walk home. Well, low and behold I think I made one of the best decisions ever by deciding to turn around and go into a "hopping" pub- L'Estaminet. I figured, it's my last chance to go out and I mind as well be social. Well, after buying one beer (L'Estam le Noir) I was set for the night. Shy kid my age to my left was very nice, and there were two older men to the right of me. All I had to do was turn to them and say "I'm sorry, but I don't speak French very well" and what followed will always be my best night in Verdun. It involved the shy French guy and the younger of the two old guys trying to teach me how to keep score of my horrible darts skills, a crazy Dutch girl (maybe she was just drunk) and her Canadian boyfriend and their Dutch friends, getting told to leave another "bar" by a man wearing a disturbingly tight shirt that didn't work there, and walking home in the fog. I had so much fun that night it made me wish I had decided to try it earlier (though i think it was better that I only have one night to remember going out in Verdun by).

Last night (Monday), Sophie and Cyrille hired a babysitter and took me out to dinner at the nicest restaurant in Verdun. It was a wonderful night, the weather was warm but not stiffeling (for once), it doesn't get dark here until like 10:30/11pm. I had Escargot (yes, that's snails) and we determined while at Thulon (the Chateau), I will try frog legs. Nomnom! I also had some kind of ray (manta ray?). After, Cyrille and I convinced Sophie to grab a beer (though, despite our persistence, she had a cafe instead) at L'Estaminet. Of course, I had to stick with Verdun's best dark beer. Got back to the house around 11, I started to finish The Godfather II but was asleep after 10 minutes.

Today Max and I went to the pool. That is the only explanation for while he's still sleeping, but it was intense. The kids' pools were reserved for schools, so, with floaties, we messed around in the big pool. Between keeping him away from the lane dividers and out of the way of the other swimmers, I'm surprised I'm still awake.

So it turns out that Verdun is incredibly different in the summer than in the winter. It's alive, there's people, I've even found it enjoyable. I want to give a note to the lady who (I think) owns the Windsor (cafe/bar that I always go to) to tell her thank you for the delicious espresso and getting me through the snow and rain. Well, that's that for now. See you soon! :D

jminverdun @ 2009-06-16T13:41:00

2009-06-16T11:54:57Z

In times of transition, I have noticed that I am generally filled with two main feelings: anticipation and unpreparedness. Finishing college, coming to France, and of course now.
While I was reading Max a story before his nap time today, we both fell asleep. When I read to him we sit on a little couch that's in his room, me usually leaning back and him sitting on my lap- sometimes with his stuffed lamb "Mouton" and sometimes not. Well today we were reading a story about a penguin named Bibonde (there's an accent on the "e" but it's easier to explain that than actually put it in) that is honestly one of my favorite stories to read to him. And about halfway through we both dozed off...we weren't asleep for long, ten minute at the most and then I woke up and asked him if he wanted to sleep in his bed, but it was a feeling I've never had before. Much like at the beginning of this year, when I picked him up from his nap and he rested his head on my shoulder, this is a feeling that I can't wait to experience with my own children. The feeling of complete comfort. Which leads me to the two feelings: I am so excited to be a mom, to have a family, to experience those relationships, I am very aware that I am not ready for any of that right now. While it may not seem like a huge revelation to anyone else, this year has done quite the opposite of what I thought it was going to do. Coming to Verdun, I was filled with doubts of whether I even wanted kiddos and I was pretty sure that by the end of the year I wouldn't. I never would have thought that it would have this much of an effect on me and wanting kids.
But for now, and for a while longer, I am enjoying being just the daughter and appreciating not only what my parents have done for me but taking a gander at the kind of love they have for me. When I was little I always told my mom that I loved her more than she loved me, and though I always refused to believe it, she told me over and over again that I wouldn't know until I had my own kids. While I don't have my own kids, and my connection with these kids isn't that of a mother and children, I am starting to understand what she meant just through moments like that.

four weeks...

2009-06-13T19:33:19Z

and it will be my last night in france...mixed feelings with being excited to go back to the states taking up most of the solution...so what am i supposed to do now that i know i can fit everything into my suitcases but have to wait four weeks to officially put it there? i have fewer things than when i came here (amazing, i know)...and....wow...everything feels like it's waiting for four weeks, and i am NOT liking that feeling.

Well well well

2009-06-03T14:47:11Z

It's been a while. I'm sorry that I've started (okay, I always did) to stink at updating. Things are going well, I can't believe I only have four more weekends here (the fifth I'll be on a plane back!). The year has flown by, that's for sure. Well, looking back it has. The whole time that it seemed to be taking forever, I knew that I'd look back and it wouldn't seem so long. I think that's just how things always are- no matter how fun or tortuous (ugh, so glad I don't have finals!) when it's over you're like "wow, that was quick."

Well, yay tangents. Anyways, I've finally put all (I think) of my pictures up at picasaweb.google.com/jennarohm/. I can't even count how many different websites...but there it is, compiled into one. As far as I know.

I've been spending most weekends that I can in Paris...oh how I love that city. Two weekends ago, Sophie and Cyrille attended a wedding that was somewhere in Britagne, I guess about an hour away from where Cyrille grew up, so the whole family went to his child hood home. The house = great. It's not mansion-like or new, but it's comfortable and interesting and has a wonderful yard. We arrived at about 2am on Wednesday night and Thursday we all hung out. The family went to Mass in Le Mans, so I got to wander around the ridiculously old town for about an hour (see the link!). After that there was a BBQ and some fun. I took a nice long nap. Sophie and Cyrille left at about 10 on Friday and got back at like 3 on Saturday. It was an adventure to be with the kids, but not difficult as, I'm used to all the stuff- dinner, baths, breakfast, keeping them occupied, etc. And it was great- Cyrille's parents have amazing channels with cartoons so I got to listen to new theme songs. So it was a long ride back on Saturday, we went to a horse show on Sunday and I was thankful for the extra pay I got. I always knew I loved overtime...

Last weekend Diane and I went to Amsterdam to celebrate her birthday (which was two weeks ago) and to have a "last hurrah" since I won't be joining her to travel through France, Italy and Greece (what a sad story haha). We drank a lot of Heinekin and ate even more food. There was a stage set up near our hostel (Hostel Orfea= awesome) that we found the first day, so every time we were done exploring somewhere, we would come back, sit in the sun and enjoy the music. Relaxing and exhausting at the same time.

My old roommate, Carrie, will be arriving in Paris on Thursday, so hopefully I'll be able to go see her and Diane. Unfortunately the Tetrels need me to babysit Saturday night...and that means I'd have to leave Saturday morning...at 8:30. What a dilemma. Anyways...

It figures that I would sit down just to share the website and end up writing more than that...I'm sorry to all of you that have sent me e-mails and I haven't replied! Ugh, I'm horrible at that!

One final note: This Sunday is la Fête des Mères (French version of Mother's Day) so Joyeux Fête des Mères!!

Grosses Bissous,

JM

9 Weeks...

2009-05-12T10:11:18Z

Well well well,

The last time I update was about 9 weeks ago...funny that I have the same amount of time until being back in the good ol' USofA. Countless things have happened over the last nine weeks (I couldn't even tell you what my last journal entry said) including a fantastic family trip through Paris, Switzerland, Austria and Germany (what a difference traveling with parents vs. traveling on my own! Helllllo hotels!). I have been to Paris a few times as well Including the last weekend...

Which is when I realized that I will be very sad to be a bit further away than just a two hour train ride. I really have fallen in love with that city, and Diane and I (my friend who lives there) have had a great time exploring and relaxing and catching up on all of our American TV shows online. With her help I have managed to stay away from the stores (life saver!) and find time to enjoy myself. It was actually kind of distressing to realize that I would only really be able to visit a couple times before I leave, but there are other trips with the family planned too.

The weekend of May 22 we will be in NorthWestern (I think) France for four days for Sophie and Cyrille to attend a wedding and back at the Chateau in Beajeu (near Lyon) the weekend of July 4th for VIanney's communion. There will be WAY too many kids there for my sanity.

Except for today, it seems that Spring has started to spring...Verdun is very pretty with the flowers everywhere and greenness. Especially when the sun is shining. Cafes on the quai are wonderful and relaxing...so is the beer. May and June are supposed to be the prettiest times in Verdun, so I'm glad I'll be around for these next months.

I'll be back to LAX on July 12th, I know that I'll be lost without Max, but what I decided to skip for a year is still waiting for me...doing my best to find a job or two and have it lined up for when I get back, I'm ready for something mentally challenging because, even though this year wouldn't get thrown in the "easy" column of my work experience, I feel like my brain has turned a little into mush. Noticing that, my dad was awesome enough to let me order some books...I decided on non-fiction, The Hemingses of Monticello, On Combat, Man's Search for Meaning, and Bring Me My Machine Gun...various topics but I can definitely say I haven't put the first one down.

My French has greatly improved. Last weekend in Paris, Diane and I went to a BBQ with her cousin and his friends (there were about 8 of us) and it was a blast. Luckily Diane speaks a little more French than me, so when one of my stories started to wander off...she was there to save me. I'll always have a little spaz in me.

Well, Sophie just called "A Table," which means lunch is ready, and my stomach is on it's way to growling.

Much love to all!

Bissous,
Jenna

Long Time, No Write...

2009-03-03T19:31:06Z

Well, in the last month not much has changed. Except that Diane is in Paris now and so I spent a weekend with her and then a week of the kids' school break (yeah, they had one in January...February...April...July) in Paris as well. So nice, I really hope I get a chance to get back and live there...hmm...or in a big city for that matter. Yeah, it's expensive but it's all relative right? Anyways, during the glorious week-and-a-half total amount of time that I spent with the DTo, I basically got my sanity back. We drank wine...er...a lot of wine...but it's France...ate some cheese and saussisson sec (saussage...probably spelt wrong)...fresh baguettes...pastries (according to me, Parisian pastries are the best in France)...croque monsieurs and croque madames...kebabs...hamburgers (with a fork and knife...BOOOOO)...and delicious home-made meals like risotto with mushrooms and asparagus, chicken noodle soup...ok I could go on forever. Surprisingly however, we also did some interesting stuff besides eat and watch as many possible episodes of Intervention, How I Met Your Mother, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, 30 Rock, The Office...We went to the Museé Rodin, saw a David LaChappelle retrospective at La Monnaie de Paris, saw the Moulin Rouge (actually we stumbled upon that one...it's right by her apartment), and went to Père LaChaise to see the ridiculously old cemetary and (of course) Jim Morrison's grave. We also wandered around Montmartre and Sacre Coeur when we met up with my friend from Java Jones who's living in Paris too. Oh, and the hot dogs there are like a slice of fatty heaven. I'm just gonna say when you order one you get two...on a baguette...with cheese...ohhhh delicious!

So that was Paris, plus some more. We didn't go to many of the well-known bars but stopped off at a place called Zero de Conduite that Diane's brother had told her about. HILARIOUS. It's a tiny place that you HAVE to have reservations for, and it's fun to go to with a bunch of friends (or it would seem so). The kicker is that the drinks are served in baby bottles (yes), and each drink is named after a cartoon (some of them well known to us, but most of them French like Babar and TinTin) so you have to draw it on a whiteboard that they give you. While you're enjoying your drinks/trying to figure out how to actually get the drink out of the bottle, you have a bunch of games that you can choose to play like Monopoly, Pictionary, etc. We most definitely played Uno, and after a week of being a big piece of Camabert at Scrabble, I dominated the games. Another place we went was O'Sullivans By The Mill which was pretty great...there were a surprising amount of people, that's for sure. It was a pretty cool place, there's bands Mon-Tuesday-Wed... and DJs Thurs-Fri-Sat...or something like that. So lots of fun, I took pictures but have to find the links...

Today I was running and wished my iPod was an iPhone only so I could take pictures. I think it must be the most beautiful that Verdun could look (not that that's saying much). I'm also tutoring a girl three times this week (during her break) and tutoring someone in English is much more difficult than one would think...uhm, honestly half the time I don't know if I'm using the Present Perfect, Present, blah blah blah. It's definitely an experiment. I'd like to think that teaching French as a foreign language would be easier.

So that's that, not too much other exciting stuff going on except Euro-Rohm 2009 starts in one month!! That, and some silly French commercials are what get me through the hard times, though there aren't many of those. And Happy Dr. Seuss' Birthday!! (Ok, it was yesterday, but whatever).

Á la prochaine fois,

Jenna Marie Poppins

jminverdun @ 2009-01-24T11:23:00

2009-01-24T12:24:10Z

Well...kisses are the best medicine for boo-boos. At least with the two younger ones. So far they have resulted in a cute little oui when I ask Ça va mieux? ("Yes" "Is that better?" ok those are rough translations).

I've added more pictures to the "My Kids" album which I posted the link for before, but I don't have the slightest idea which one it is so if you want to see the new ones (Max and Marie-Pia have their new Converse on!) here it is:
www.facebook.com/album.php

So today the family is at a day-long Catechism thing. Ok, I really don't know anything about it except that I'm watching Max and Marie-Pia. They're playing in the older boys room...because the older boys have all the fun toys...and they are fun toys because they make a mess. See Item 1 and 2 for examples.
Item 1:

Gotta love the kids though.

Item 2:

Ok all and all this has been a nice and relaxing day...Hope all is well with everyone out there!!

JM

jminverdun @ 2009-01-12T17:48:00

2009-01-12T16:50:19Z

Links to pictures:

Paris, Dec. 5th-6th
www.facebook.com/album.php

Some more pictures from Paris in September and my trip back...
www.facebook.com/album.php

Life around Verdun in January (namely, today)
www.facebook.com/album.php

Verdun-Paris-Houston-LA-Newark-Paris-Verdun

2009-01-12T16:47:21Z

Oh, adventures getting home, adventures getting back, and of course on either side of those two and in between.

Wonderful time at home, glad I got to see everyone I did, and I hope to see everyone I didn't when I get back!! Getting home was a trip...in so many ways. I was so excited that I couldn't sleep the night before. Turns out that's a good thing once in a while. So I left Sarah's apartment at 6am because I had been awake since 5:15. My plan was to leave at 7:30...keep that in mind. So my plane was supposed to leave at 12:40 and I needed to be there 3 hours early...9:30. It took me the full 3.5 hours to get from Sarah's apartment to CDG (the airport) because...
There's a bus that leaves the train station every 15 minutes for the airport...
But there's two train stations, Gare de l'Est and Gare du Nord...I'm used to going to Gare de l'Est because that's where the train from/to Verdun always is...
So I got off the Metro with my two bags and backpack at the stop for Gare de l'Est, looked for the bus, and asked the lady at information where to catch it...to which she responded "Gare du Nord" so...
I got back on the metro...going the wrong way.
Two stops later I realize I'm going the wrong way, get off, carry all my junk (glad I only took one check-on) up and around to the other platform, and get on the Metro going the way I'm supposed to be going...I finally get to the Gare du Nord where, I don't see the bus, but I see the RER (the train that goes to the suburbs, airport, etc.). So I think to myself "Hey, why not...I don't need to pay 15 Euros to take a bus, I'll just take the RER." Well this is the point it's a good thing I had that extra hour and a half.
After wandering around looking for the platform (the train wasn't running from the one posted on all the signs...), I figured I'd go ask help...no, not a good idea...too many pushy people and really, I'd rather do it myself. So I find it...
And it turns out that (as Sophie had warned me) the conductors were on strike (not too rare of a thing here) and only one out of every two trains was running. But I got there early so I didn't see that it would matter. Until more...and more...and more...people started showing up. Then the train was late because someone passed out on the train...which I didn't understand until I actually got on the train. Even getting on the train almost led to me being trampled by a bunch of Parisians (yes, someone(s) actually started to climb over me when my bag wasn't getting on to the train fast enough). And my position for the hour that it took (usually takes around 20 min...that's another thing about the strike is the conductors go reeeeeeeeeaaaalllllly slow) was perched on top of my check-on bag like a monkey. It was pretty fun (except for the cramped leggs after) because the woman who had explained the strike and status of the train to me on the platform (and then helped me with my bag...the reason I'm not currently smooshed under the RER at Gare du Nord) and I talked until she got off at the stop before. There was also another Au Pair who had just finished a year in Paris (with two different families) and was flying back to her home in Colombia. So we chatted and it was a good time. Security was a breeze...it was kind of weird when the (couldn't have been more than) 18-year-old working the baggage scanning gave me his number and told me to call him if I ever came back to Paris. I have to admit I didn't admit that I was just leaving for vacation.
Newsflash: In case you ever thought 1 hour was enough time for a lay-over on an international flight coming back to the US....oh no no no. C'est pas vrai. When we left 40 minutes late I got a little nervous...but when the estimated flight time went from 11 hours to 12hours 40min my heart dropped. Obviously I couldn't do anything about it then so I enjoyed the personal TV, the awesome lady with an awesome life story next to me, and the simply FANTASTIC steward. It was honestly a pretty fun flight.
And I'll just say after a small break down in the Houston airport I got on the last flight of the night home.
So yes, moral of the story is...enjoy your trip. It's called a "trip" and not a "destinatioin" for a reason (blah blah blah I could go on forever about that one).

The way back worked out too...Let's see...3 hours is for international flights...even if you're going international after a lay-over...3 hours is more than necessary. Example:
Of course Mom & Dad got me to LAX 3 hours early...perfect! So I have curbside check-in, security's a breeze, and get to my gate and there were tons of people. Which confused me. I stood around for a bit, then finally looked at the sign that says where it's going...Cleveland. I should have figured that early and there'd be a flight before. So I...don't really remember what I did besides get a coffee and fat free lemon poppyseed muffin with my Starbucks gift card (good for any occasion!). Getting on board (I was one of the last people because of my AWESOME leg-spacealicious seat) one of the stewardesses came up to us and said "we need to check your bags..." as in checked-baggage check. I looked up at her not knowing what to say. "I have my medication in there." "Well get it out." "Do you understand just how much medication is in there? I have this bag as a carry-on for a reason." "You need to check it take the medication out." So, that was that and I am so thankful I had my purse in there because all of it just barely fit. In the air...everything was up in the air. Once again, 1 hour is not enough for connections, and anything less than that throw it out the window. Lucky for me, everything in and out of Newark that night was delayed. There were three of us transferring to Paris on that flight...I had met one in the airport (a British lady) and another (a French man) emptying my meds...I think we all bonded while running through the Newark airport and then getting yelled at by another stewardess for not being there on time...yes, we actually, quite literally, got YELLED at. Then there was the fear of baggage not making it...it was -3 Celcius in Paris and if my carry on didn't make it...I didn't have anything more than my sweatshirt. Bad combination. But it all worked out. I also sat next to this (kind of crazy) but really cool lady who pretty much offered me a job in Cape Cod at this historical inn where they do...stuff (catering, weddings, etc.). Well, needless to say I got my bags, caught a public bus to the train station (much cheaper than that other one), caught my train, did my transfer, and got picked up by Sophie.

So I am back...it is cold, but I am definitely enjoying it more than before. Possibly because the language isn't so killer, and I know what to do, but I also get to look forward to Mom, Dad, Brian, Sandy, Perry, and Aley coming out in April. And then Diane now has an apartment, and is back in, Paris.

So now that I'm exhausted (as you most likely noticed as this entry dragged on...) I think I'll go exert some more energy and give Max and Marie-Pia (and maybe the boys) their baths.

Hope to hear from any of you!
Though I must admit I'm not any better at quickly responding...

French cheek kisses (Bis)
JM

Paris- Montmartre, Sacre Coeur, Champs d'Elysee, and MUCH more

2008-12-10T13:53:40Z

Of course, I love Paris. The GRE on the other hand...well that is all that will be mentioned of it.

I spent the 5th and 6th of December in Paris...it was gray and cloudy Friday, but once I reached Sacre Coeur on Saturday afternoon, the sky turned blue. I loved the city in both types of weather. I think I'd love that city in any kind of weather...well maybe except pouring rain. I love the adventure of finding my way around, working the Metro system, getting asked for directions (yeah, that was pretty cool- it made me feel like I looked like I belonged), and all of that stuff. Both days were spent drifting around the streets I don't, but would love to, know.
Friday's first adventure was to get to the office to take my exam. I was originally going to leave at 8, but sure am glad that I decided to leave at 7:30...I arrived with only 10 minutes to spare. It required taking Ligne 4 of the Metro to the end (La Defense), a bus, and then walking another 4 or 5 bus stops (not only did I need the walk to calm my nerves a bit, but it happened to be faster than waiting for the crowded bus in traffic). All without the time...I forgot my iPod in Verdun which, since my phone mysteriously disappeared, has been my alarm clock/watch. Well after I was done, I decided to wander around Rue Rivoli by the Louvre (on Saturday I discovered I prefer that to le Champs Elysees-as usual, more on that later) and tortured myself by going in stores with clothes I love (that can easily be put together to fit "my style") and not buying anything...well almost. I visited Notre Dame (I always have to check in when I'm in Paris) though I missed the Eiffle Tower. Around the corner from Notre Dame (I believe it is the Cite stop on the Metro), there is a great little line of garden stores that have everything from bird houses to seeds to candles to trinkets. With the Holiday Season in full swing there were many ornaments and Christmas things- it was lovely. Music playing, the smell of Christmas. It sure made me excited to come home. I saw the Hotel de Ville for the first time and was amazed- Aunt Mardi told me to check it out before and I'm glad I finally happened upon it! They were constructing the ice skating rink outside, which is like the rink at Rockefeller Plaza, and I was disappointed to have been there a few days too early. Some more wandering around got me to a few random places that I can't describe beyond there was a fountain, a big tower that looked like it was a part of Notre Dame that had escaped but didn't get too far, and...well, that is really all I can recall.
By 5 o'clock I was worn out (I had woken up at 7 that morning and had been walking every since) and decided to go back to Cyrille's sister/my friend Sarah's apartment just off of the Alesia stop on Ligne 4. Well, I had been there before, it's where I stayed last time, and I remembered where it was then, and when she picked me up from the train station this time...so I was frustrated when I got a little confused. I ended up spending 2.5 hours wandering around the neighborhood, knowing exactly where I was, but unable to find the door that I had a key to. At first I thought I had found it but pushing the button didn't open the door and I didn't have the code...but two very nice older women standing outside the door asked who I was looking for and I told them Sarah Tetrel (well, the whole time I figured they didn't know who she was). They hadn't heard of her and didn't recognize my description so they said to try a street or two over- so many of the streets do look alike. So after being tired and frustrated, and lugging two bottles of wine and my ridiculous oversized bag for almost 3 hours, my mom got a collect call from a quite distressed Jenna Marie Rohm. I don't know what I would have done with out her, she called the Tetrels (I couldn't because, along with my iPod, I had left my planner which had both the Tetrel's and Sarah's phone numbers and Sarah's address in it) and got Sarah's address. All in all it worked out- and it turned out that the first door with the sweet old ladies was the right one. I just waited for someone to open it and I was safe in the comfort of a warm Parisian apartement.
It is kind of funny because sometimes I feel more at home in Sarah's apartment than I do in Verdun. I'm guessing it has to do with being around more people, with "roommates"- girls my age, and Sex & The City DVDs at my disposal for Friday night entertainment.
Well, Friday night Sarah invited me to go to a party with some of her friends, and after careful deliberation, thinking that I should go, I realized that I didn't have the energy or patience to try to do the whole French language thing. So I stayed awake, and just relaxed. Oh relaxing.Saturday I woke up, and since I've heard Sacre Coeur is beutiful, and I'd never been there, I decided to take the 35 minute Metro ride and go see it. Well, I don't think I got off at the most comfortable stop in Paris...but it was an adventure with vendors yelling their products out and designer knock-off sunglasses hanging from the inside of a trench coat. Not sure of which way to go, I figured mind as well go up- I remembered that someone had said something about the view of Paris from Sacre Coeur so I started walking up. And up. And up. And then there were stairs. And I climbed. And climbed. And as much as I hate to admit it I was winded by the end. But it was sure impressive...I guess I should have expected it from the post cards that I had seen, but I hadn't payed much attention to it. Sacre Coeur is a church located in Montmartre, in northern Paris (as always, more about Montmartre later). It is built in a very different style than the other churches I have seen here and if it strikes a note of curiosity for you, there is more information at www.sacred-destinations.com/france/paris-sacre-coeur.htm. I think I write enough without giving the historical details, though it is rather interesting. Well after all the hills and stairs, and my initial awe, I realized that I prefer to visit monuments during the week...less people = better pictures and less accidentally being in pictures. Well, along with the people were the entertainers, as a man was playing "The First Noel" on a violin, the sky became blue. It was pretty. Well, I walked around, found Montmartre which I had kind of forgotten was in Paris...and fell in love. Artists in the square, people doing characture sketchces on the street, cafe's, small stores, just a great overall vibe. If you've ever seen those very "French" paintings of cafes and storefronts, particularly "Chez Marie," chances are it was done in this area. Both famous and obscure artists have practiced their craft there, and I can see why. I believe the best way to describe it is "colorful." While I was descending the hill, I ran accross a number of shops- and of course my favorite, which had antique rings and many things of the African sort, was going out of business. Well, I guess I'll have to find another. Furniture stores, art stores, home-decoration stores (good thing I didn't have cash...). IT was simply wonderful. I arrived and decided I had found the part of Paris that, if I were to ever live in Paris, I would call home. December 6th is is le fete de St. Nicholas so until Christmas time there are vendors set up in most of the town centers selling treats, novelties, and hot red wine. The smell and sounds of Christmas was in the air again, and the carnival rides and families made the cold day warm. I never would have thought I could feel like I was in a small town in such a big city. I think that is one of my favorite things about Paris- it isn't so much a huge city, but a large area made up of small communities that blend into each other. Everything is very connected and inviting. So I wandered along and decided I'd try to take a stroll through a park...I didn't end up doing that but started down the Champs Elysees where there is the Ferris Wheel and those things. At this point the camera I was using died...so we'll all just have to wait for me to finish up the disposable. I started down the big street, the opposite end from the Arc de Triumph, where it's gravel on the sides and was lined by the St. Nicholas vendors...When I got to the paved part I decided the Champs d'Elysee is just not for me...holiday saturday crowds, no trashcans, and big stores with wonderful things where I can't spend money. I walked into the Sephora just to browse and almost had a panic attack there were so many people. So I jumped in the nearest Metro entrance and didn't look back. I wish I could have gone to the Arc to see it again, but there's next time. I debated going to the Eiffle Tower but it was getting late so I decided to catch Ligne 4 back to the apartment (which I had the code to written down on a piece of paper next to Sarah's number in my pocket). This time I reached it no problem, and decided that I should head to Gare de l'Est to catch my train. Grabbed a sandwhich, jumped on the train, and from then on it was uneventful and I was thankful for that.
So my big exciting trip to Paris really was big and exciting.

My French is getting better, but I can't wait to be around ENGLISH!!! Speaking of which, in one week I will be ON the plane!! A few close transfers, both on the train and the plane, but it will work, right?

Well if reading this is was exhausting as writing it, you probably need a good 3 hour nap and a venti mochafrappuchuco from starbucks to wake up. So if you would like to see the pictures that I was able to get in with the digital camera before it died, you can check 'em out at:
s312.photobucket.com/albums/ll322/jminverdun/Paris%20Dec%205th%20and%206th/

Until Next Time, which may not be until I'm back,
JM

Happy Turkey Day After!

2008-11-28T19:10:02Z

So, it was wonderful talking to all of you last night who I got to talk to and seeing your lovely faces! It definitely made me feel loved...and even more grateful for everything that I have been blessed with. I was browsing the internet today during Max's nap and found something that I think is pretty good, especially given the time of year both now, and coming up.

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." -Melody Beattie

Well of course I could go on and on about that...I mean, everyone's seen how long winded I can be (and if you're still reading this thing after 3 months, I am quite impressed by your patience), but instead I hope that if you have a minute, think about it more in-depth than just reading it. It was interesting to remember events in my life where, either at the time or looking back, gratitude definitely changed such situations for the better.

So I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving and the time with friends and family. And if like me, you were far away, I hope that you were warmed by the love sent from far away. I know that I sure did.

JM

It's Cold

2008-11-23T12:44:51Z

It started snowing yesterday! I woke up and there was snow on the ground! We went sledding, it was cute.
And then my heater broke about five minutes ago. So it's freezing in the bat cave...

The Change of a Year

2008-11-15T17:35:22Z

I bought a new planner today for 2009. I loooooove getting new planners. I'm not sure why, I will put it in the same category as loving any office supply store (I could max out a credit card at any one), getting office supplies (pens, papers, notebooks, etc.), getting organized (though things rarely stay organized for long), ah, there's just something about getting things that have destroyed the earth's resources and I probably don't need.

Well, moving on from my strange obsessions a little- I was filling the dates out, and looked up Thanksgiving (sad, but true). Since this planner starts next week and ends the first week of 2010 (uhm, wow), I put it down for 2008 and 2009 which led me to thinking about the next year.
The older I get, the faster time goes by. Yes, it is exactly like everyone that I have ever known has told me- "enjoy your high school years, they're the best" "enjoy your college years, they're the best" etc. etc. But I wonder where I will be and how I will feel a year from now. I've been having rough times here, the past 2 or so months have felt like a year to me (good experiences though, don't think I'm complaining) and December 17th seems like forever away, and so I am curious about how things will turn out, what kind of experiences are to come.

In addition to that, I look back and start to wish I had enjoyed my time more before...UCSB, Grenoble, and then I realize that I couldn't have enjoyed it more. I really truly enjoyed the moment I was in (er, the good moments). And, yes I could have done some things differently, and I would have gotten a different outcome but no matter what, I would have made mistakes, and I would have learned from them, just like I did. There were times my parents weren't sure I was going to graduate (hahaha but I did it!) and times when I didn't care if I graduated or not, but I finished, and had a great time doing it. Looking back, I am thankful for going away to school for two main reasons: 1)I had amazing experiences and made amazing life-long friends and 2) The further I got into my studies, the more interested I became in very diverse subjects. By June 2008, I wanted to go back and do it again. Eh, not starting over though, I guess I wanted to add another four years.

Ok so, I looked back, and kind of went over what has happened in my life from June 2007 to June 2008, and it is truly amazing how many unexpected things made up my life. It is this, that makes me recognize the true importance of holidays, or the importance that they have to me at least. In a world of so much change, where expectations and results often morph suddenly, the consistancy of holidays anchors us together. Every year, there will be Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter. Every year, whether I'm there or not, my family will come together. In between we may not know when we'll see eachother next, but I know that the people I love, give or take a few, will be together again...smiling, laughing, showing pictures and expecting the phone call from those far away. I find these holidays especially hard when someone is missing for the first time...Christmas Eve is going to be nearly impossible for me, but they are also with us.

Ok, well rambling is done for now. The family just got home from shopping for cute Christmas stuff, so expect something that is actually about France. For now I miss and love you all!

JM

Well, well, well...I finally have internet!

2008-11-09T19:11:21Z

Ok, I guess you could say I had internet when I posted last time, and although this is true I was posting from a French keyboard and that just doesn't work with my lighting fast typing fingers that are used to the english keyboard...and would therefore mean it taking way too long (it's pretty obvious I write a ton!) or too many mistakes (I can only tolerate the current rate of mistake-making, any more would drive me crazy. Often times I like to think that I don't make any mistakes and confirm that by not reading what I just wrote...yay free flowing writing!).

Well, I shall start from what I remember as the beginning since the last time I updated (if I remember something else I'll trickily go back and create a new entry where it should have been...mwahahaha evil planner that I am).

So my converter for my powercord was killed by a two year old and accompanied by the smell of smoke, a disturbing buzzing noise, and a very real fear I might blow up the kitchen. I was more concerned that the kid wasn't hurt, but I guess I shouldn't have plugged it into that outlet anyways. That outlet really shouldn't be there...and in that condition. Phew, anyways the only thing that got hurt in the process was the converter and my ability to return e-mails/up-date this journal/browse facebook/look for plane tickets/look at clothes i can't afford/and watch the presidential debates that i got sick of about 5 minutes into the first one. Well, that was that and three weeks later I'm finally updating.

So we went to South Eastern France for about a week and a half. About an hour away from Lyon, which I visited once by train with Sophie's mother. I just have to brag here and say that I stayed in a Chateau surrounded by vineyards. Oh yes, it was a Chateau. Ok we were only in one half of the Chateau but that doesn't make it any less amazing ok? Well driving there there were a couple instances of car sickness one being Marie-Pia...things to remember when I'm a mom...make sure to take the jacket off before a 4.5 hour van ride. Well lucky for me this resulted in some nice leg room and nap time in the front seat, and with the van packed full it definitly was the best seat in the...uhm..house. Too much candy was eaten too...I just had to finish the strawberry ones! Nobody else likes them! So it was a bit of a trip, but a lot of sleep for me.

I guess I should have guessed that it would be uhm, a rather large "house" because a)it has a name b)it has vineyards and c)sophie, her sister, her mom, and her aunts all got married there (well reception). Yeah it was big...like a said Chateau. Almost impossible to describe to tell you the truth. It's split into two parts, well, only seperated by a door really. The half that we were in was bought by sophie's grandfather in 1985 from his great aunt who was getting really old and wanted to keep it in the family, so when the offer came up he couldn't refuse. Up until 2003, when his wife passed away, she did the decorating on their half and he did the repairs. He still does the up-keep though doesn't live there year round (which I found out 2 days before leaving). So the other half of the house, and another Chateau is owned by him and his brothers and sisters...sent down through the family...which is HUGE. I guess that there's still about 200 cousins etc. that are in touch and all that stuff. Most who live in the Lyon area. Ok so this house (which I didn't get to see in its entirety until a few days in), was disgustingly big. on the side we were in there were about 9 bedrooms, on the other side there had to have been 12? Two "salons" which are like the living room, a few sitting rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, wine cellars, a giant unused kitchen in the cellar where the servants would have cooked the food, buttons where the "masters" would have rung for service. Yes all that crazy stuff plus two stables, one which had been turned into a second house and was where the Tetrel family and Sophie's sister and her two boys and Au Pair stayed. There was a bunch of stuff for wine-making, some of which is still used and I didn't get to see up close, a garage with two really sweet old cars, one a German car from WWII (which makes me wonder...), servants quarters above, more servant's quarters, uhm, a pond the size of a giant swimming pool, apple trees, a mini forest...I've lost my train of thought.
So that was that. But the cherry on top was that my room (because there wasn't enough in the second house..) was next to the grandpa's and is exactly what you would think of as a room for a girl in a french chateau. It had wood (I was told it was walnut) paneled walls, A huge window with white shutters, white frilly decorative curtains, pink hydrangea patterned functionial curtains, a bed spread that matched the curtains, a fireplace with a huge mirror over it, bookshelves with tons of books on them, a wood framed bed, and a bed table. Oh, and the closet was literally a room in itself. Most of the rooms had closets like that...you walk through them to get to the room. In the other side of the house there were different variations, but to get into each room you opened the door and it was the closet then you opened another door and you were in the room. Ok so my room was a little dream. And it had a desk with flowers on it. Yeah, it was dreamy. I wasn't able to sleep the first 5 nights but finally got the hang of it a while later.
Which brings me to the point that what I've noticed is that the focus of the house is not so much on the front as on the back. I am sure it has to do with privacy as there is rarely a house without shutters that are closed at night. Well it just goes to show you can't judge a house by it's front cover...but you sure can by it's back cover. The back of the house tends to be where the most lived in rooms are- the bedrooms, the kitchen, etc. Plus the yard- not much time is spent in the front of the house- it's the entry way and usually the more impersonal rooms. I don't think I've spent any time in the salon at night, and maybe a little in the dining room. It could be different in other houses, but I've also noticed that when I've baby sat different kids or been giving my english lessons. And here of course.

Well the food was great, so great I gained weight...didn't eat as much...except for cheese. So I've sworn myself off of the stuff sauf (except for) special occasioins. I just don't have the money or mental strength to buy pants that are a size bigger. Wine with every meal...a lot of wine...probably didn't help either...but it was so good! And flowing like the Rhone (google it!). Lunch and dinner were always fun, the first night we were there there was about 17 people for dinner alone...plus 7 kids who ate in the other house. French French French. My skills must have trippled that week! I know many more things but have so many more to learn! The family was hilarious- there's the stubborn, set in his ways grandpa, the kids, the young college and highschool age kids who refute everything that their parents say. And, the smoking. Ay that was a little much but I survived...we'll see how my lungs handled the second hand smoke.

I got to go into Lyon for a day, which was amazing. That city is something I was not expecting. We went by train, Sophie's mom needed to get some clothes for her brother and pick him and her nephew up to take back to Thulon, and I just tagged along, excited to be in a big city for the first time since Paris over a month ago. Yeah, I guess it's good I don't live in a big city...I actually have access to things I need there, like clothes. The train ride was definitely surreal. The train we took was on the same route I took every time going to Geneva last time I was in France. We were only about an hour away from Grenoble, but I don't really know anyone there so I didn't bother spending the extra money to go into town. So we actually got on the train in Belleville, which we stopped at on the way to Geneva every time. Seeing the sights I honestly never thought I would see again. In a million years I wouldn't have guessed i would again be seeing the small towns, the country side, the lake, all the sights that I enjoyed so much on my early morning train rides. Well, we got to Lyon. And I have been to that Gare one other time...when I was coming back from Amsterdam and fell asleep, didn't get off the train where I was supposed to switch, and was woken up by someone saying we were there. At that time I was overwhelmed. I always thought it was just because I was tired and disoriented and knew I was going to miss class that day, but, upon arrival this time, I realized that it is just a completely ridiculous train station- it's like the food court of the mall plust some random retail stores plus a train station. What a mess. So this time, since last time I spent a good amount of time wandering around trying to get oriented, I knew the place. It's an eerie feeling. I had never had the inclination before to go to Lyon. But the place is pretty cool.
There is old Lyon where the architecture is very Italian, as Lyon actually used to be part of Italy (or something like that), and this part dates back to the Roman days...woo! Sophie's mom gave me a little history tour, but big surprise, I forgot most of the stuff. BUT it was pretty cool. I'll try to scan the postcards I got and put them up.

Although most of my entries are a little haphazard I'm pretty sure this one's on the top of my list- sorry! I need to get into writing form!
Some exciting pieces of news (at least for me!):
I HAVE MY PLANE TICKET! So I will officially, for sure, without a doubt be home for Christmas! 17th of December to the 7th of January
GRE test on December 5th at 9am...I have never studied this much for a test in my life...let's hope it doesn't back fire!
Tuesday marks the end of World War One so it's a holiday...I wonder if that's why there are lights up the main street of Verdun...I have no idea.

Lucky for you that's it for now, I'm sure I'll come up with some more super adventures soon (hahah). If not, you'll get to hear allllll about the 4 hour GRE test and my weekend in Paris! Woo!
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!! I wish that I was going to be around for it!

Jenna

One Word...

2008-11-05T14:58:41Z

Thulon.

More to come soon!

Jeeeenna

Pictures If You Want them...

2008-10-14T19:00:03Z

Along the Muse
www.facebook.com/album.php

House, Max, & Ducks
www.facebook.com/album.php

Jenna-Marie-Pia Photo Shoot
www.facebook.com/album.php

The "A Bientot" Pizza Lunch
www.facebook.com/album.php

Heart Melting

2008-10-14T18:42:55Z

Awwww. I got a kiss good night from Maxou. Truly adorable.

I'll Just Say...

2008-10-13T17:54:20Z

Wow, today has been one of those days where I have been home-sick, glad that i'm here, and every feeling outside and in between those two. It is frustrating to realize that the kids think I'm stupid because I don't speak their language well. I can't blame them though, I would have thought the same thing when I was any of their ages. Still, a little difficult to swallow. High point of the day was while I was getting an espresso (cafe, whatever). And I was writing a bit in my journal, a very well dressed older man kept looking at me and smiling...not a creepy smile though. You could tell he was entertained that I was writing. I guess it's pretty obvious that I'm foreign (though I've already discussed that extensively). Anyways eventually he asked if I was writing a book. I couldn't help but smile, he kind of inspired me to do that...though I wouldn't have a clue what to write (I think this journal and my journal cover the bases on that, plus I'm not far enough through my life to write some kind of profound book like that). Anyways, I'm off to Hot Coco and Tartines for dinner!

Am I Actually Posting an Entry?!

2008-10-10T18:23:22Z

Yes, my friends, yes I am. Ok maybe not that big of a surprise. But if you're going to read it, you're going to read it so here it is. A couple random things to start off with...

Once againn, not trying to criticize or anything but...what makes guys think that they're super hot when they were electric white shoes, pants, and jacket? It's quite alarming actually...and then there were two guys...together...it was scary. (Dad, the tux you wore to Mom and your wedding- totally awesome, that was classy...and not intended for working out. I actually like your style alot...). Still trying to figure that one out. Second note on men's fashion...;yeah, you know when someone refers to "dress european" I've now determined it isn't always a compliment...I'm sorry to rag, but I actually like guys style in the states. Not everything has to be showing off the muscles you don't have, in shirts with a brand's logo on them right accross your non-existent pecs. Phew, done with male fashion.

Though I am starting to see that people have a high tolerance for heat...or some just really really want it to get cold...or everyone changed their summer wardrobes out for their winter ones already and aren't able to reach anything that isn't made of wool or has fur. Exaggeration- yes. However, I do often see women (and men too) standing outside waiting to get their kids from school for lunch or for the evening, wearing winter coats, boots, down jackets, boots with fur, etc. while I'm sweating like a pig in jeans and my light zip up...which is why I am waiting to buy a heavy coat until it is absolutely necessary...I'm not sure it really gets that cold here.

Anyways, in the Tetrel house it's buisiness as normal- Kids have school, I watch Max and do random house stuff. Sophie works. Cyrille works. Karate on Wednesdays during which I have a conversation hour with one of Sohie's friend's 14-year-old daughters (woo 10 euros..). This Wednesday coming up I'll be watching 3 kids in the morning...guess what the baby sitting rate is here....5 euros an hour. Hmm, I'll have to ask the 14-year-old about that one...seems my price was a little higher 8 years ago...but then I also had places to spend the money on 8 years ago.

Time is going by less-slowly now. I actually like when Sophie works because I get the stuff done I need to and i get to play with Max. That's pretty fun. Our usual habbit is I change is diaper (stink-aay) and get him dressed (he loves to help put his socks on), we watch some Babar (the kid is CRAAAZY for it!) dance for a while in the sitting room then we leave early to pick the kids up from school and walk downtown, walk around a bit, go to the park, look at the ducks, and then pick the kids up for lunch.

Most of that walking is due to the fact that my rear-end and I have made an arrangement: If I run/do exercises to keep it from dying from boredom, it won't get any bigger. Which would be nice because I just bought two pairs of awesomely cheap and awesomely awesome pants. And of course I'm wearing one pair right now because I always have to put on what I bought that day. ALWAYS. It's just too exciting not to! I also bought a book from the librarie (no, it's not the library...) so that I have something to readi BESIDES GRE study material. But I cheated and got something in English. I picked The Gravedigger's Daughter by Joyce Carol Oates. I've never heard of the author or the book, that I know of, so I picked the biggest one (aside from a history text and Harry Potter...that habbit is just too expensive) from the 15 books that were in the English-Language section. I wanted to find The Watchmen which is supposedly a great graphic novel, and I wanted to find it in French, but low and behold I wasn't able to find the graphic novel section...didn't need to spend the money anyways I guess.

Fall colors are starting to show, and I am SO excited! For that and SNOW!! I'll take some pictures soon, but I love seeing the start of it...I've never seen season's change...

Other than that, life is life. Just preparing myself for a test on things I haven't learned in 4 years, starting a book, and watching the kids. So when I have some inspiration you'll have new juicy gossip to read...but for now, I'm going to read a bit myself.

A tout à l'heure
J

Reasons they think I'm weird...

2008-10-04T15:19:36Z

No, totally serious. But I think it's just a really interesting indicator of cultures...

I put my milk and apples in the refrigerator
I eat eggs for breakfast...I eat egg whites
I wear sweatshirts...and jeans alot
My hair is usually up...and when it's up it's higher than anyone else's
I wave my hand to thank people for stopping and letting me cross
I wear Vans
I don't use a handkerchief

Max, Regard les Canards!

2008-10-03T13:22:56Z

It's a little chilly outside...I'm not used to it, but I like it...well for now, we'll see how it goes when it gets to negative temperatures and is snowing...but then I'll be able to wear my boots and a coat and gloves and a scarf...hm, I like wearing all those things. I did today actually, broke in my year-old brand new pair of boots. I like them more than I thought I did for the last year.

What else is new? I deposited a paycheck into the wrong account, so later today I will be going with Cyrille to the the bank to see if they can change it...and if not, Sophie is going to call the company who's account it was deposited into...I guess my 7s look like 1s? Well, it's possible...they do write 1s pretty 7ish...or you could say we write 7s pretty 1ishly.

I think night time is the hardest for me. I was thinking about it today...ok actually I was trying to say it in French to Max (in order to practice my French without being self-conscious)...and I'm quite happy when I'm taking care of just him. The last couple days have been fun, we've gone to the park and downtown and played with the ducks (pictures at the bottom!). But anyways he's fun to play with...and it's amazing to see how much he's grown up since I've been here...he's able to do more and more things by himself and his vocabulary has grown SO much! All you parents have experienced this but since the last time I was around a two year old was when I was 5, it's a really interesting thing to see. I mean even the change in his interactions with me. He used to cry when I'd take him out of the bath and now he's ok with it, still not always down for a diaper change, but he is significantly less fussy. He also wants to play with me...and is becoming quite the listener...and talker. I'm able to ask him where is chassons (slippers) are and ask him to find them and bring them to me and he understands and does. It makes me want to go back and read my Psychology of Child Development book again...(hmmm...I wonder if I still have that...). Like I described before he makes some pretty random faces too...they're kind of "stupid" faces...like he's not all there, but he's definitly more with it than I ever would have thought a 19-month-old would be. It's always a little heart-warming when he looks at me, lifts his arms up, and says ascendre (he means to pick him up). Or when he comes to me when he's crying.

The kids have also been a bit better...well, kind of. They don't cry when Sophie leaves for work anymore and are ok with me fixing their lunch and feeding them. I don't like to yell, but sometimes it's necessary when they're all arguing and Max is trying to join in by screaming (he wants to do everything his big brothers and sister do). It amazes me how much changing the tone of my voice does...it's helped quite a bit, that's for sure.

Well, that's about it for now...off to try to see if we can fix my rather humerous mistake.

Bissous!
J

Marie-Pia and I making silly faces....it's the norm

Max and I at the park watching the ducks before we pick the kids up for lunch...

It's Raining, It's Pouring, The Old Man Is Snoring...

2008-10-01T18:11:05Z

I am so not used to this weather. It's fun, actually. Well, when it rains or there are blue skies. I prefer blue skies over rain, and rain over grey skies. Unfortunately for me, most of the time the sky is grey. But it rained today! It just makes everything more green and beautiful!

It will be interesting to experience a winter with snow...I mean SNOW?! I've visited it, even stayed somewhere where there was snow for...almost a week...but getting the kids to and from school will be...I'm not quite sure...

On another note, I thought that you would be bored by my identity "crisis" story, that's why I'm going to write about it. Hm, like in my entry about Paris, I feel out of place here for many reasons...dress, hair, language, you know...the norm. Well, I was always self-conscious about the way I dress, I mean no matter how hard I try, I'm not able to pull of the "I got dressed in the dark, that's why my style is so amazing" look...more on that later. So I tried...and failed miserably. So I went to my own "I got dressed in the dark" look and decided that if I happen to like a particular look or piece of clothing I'll throw that into my mental clothing closet (full of things I want but just can't get at the moment...eh or get for the next 10 years). So I'm sticking with my hodge-podge, zip-up hoodie and Vans look...with the occasional pair of absolutely adorable shoes (like now!). Eh, they're going to know I'm not French anyways so mind as well embrace my (very) unique place in this place. So, of course, I see this as an illustration of the "bigger picture." And I have to say that I'm glad I've come to this "profound" discovery (that's what this trip is all about anyways right? You know, profound discoveries and such). Well, if you don't get it (which I'm sure you do, because this part is basically to remind myself later, when everything is just a big abstract painting, of how I felt at the moment) basically what I'm saying is that while I'm here, I don't have to change and live the way the French do, I can just place the things I like into the "lifestyles" closet and adapt them.

Hmm...ok and I have my own little revision to make on the "French Fashion" topic. I've been thinking alot lately...and really I'm pretty sure it's just Paris Fashion...and by "Paris Fashion" I mean the creative designers who are truly gifted, live, design, and are based out of Paris. I mean, yeah, there are the women who have great style, and really they would have great style no matter where in the world they lived (with exceptions..). However, contrary to what she believes, the average French woman really doesn't dress that well. I mean, it just doesn't seem that great to me...but then look at my fashion sense...I'm a little all over the place myself. That's not to say they don't throw together a fabulous outfit every once in a while...just the average of the women I've seen in Grenoble and Verdun together...aren't any more avant garde than anyone else.

So, with that said, I'll stick to my rings and bracelets- each with their stories, my Saint Christopher neclace*, cardican and v-neck t-shirt, black pants and absolutely amazing dark red flats (which, by the way, I got in the good ol' USofA...woo DSW!).

Bon Nuit Tous!
J

Just Another Day....

2008-09-29T07:50:04Z

So it's just another day around the Tetrel household...ok, I have to admit it I'm kind of bored. Not enough money to travel and there's no way I'm going to venture out to the pubs...alone. But it's nice. And I'm doing well at avoiding cleaning up the boys' room...an hour until we pick the kids up for lunch and then French classes at 2.

I still have a bit to write about Paris, but that will come later.

Highlight of the week: new computer desk- yay! Really really exciting. And we went on a picnic yesterday...or more I tagged along. Not having a good friend (ok or a friend) here is getting hard. Eh, but that's bound to happen in a foreign country where my French isn't good enough to have a real conversation and I haven't found anyone but the Tetrel's or their friends husbands who speak English.

Mais, c'est la vie!

Tout a l'heur!
J

Because, like it's fashion, an entry about Paris deserves to be unconventional...

2008-09-24T22:08:04Z

Alors...(So...)

I am finally going to write about Paris, yay! Well, yay for me...if I were to wait any longer I'd remember even less detail, though that would mean I would have to go back again...but first off here's a quick note: anything I put in italics (after that of course) is a French word...yay for learning pointless vocab! And this is really only about Friday..I got a bit too tired to write about Saturday as that, in itself, will be enough to tire me out. Same with the Louvre.

In general Paris was a blast...more of an adventure I guess by myself...that involved ALOT of walking. By the end of the time I spent there, my feet were ready to start a revolution inspired by those that had occurred in the streets they'd been treading on for the last two days. But we negotiated and I soaked them in some warm water (and my feet remain loyal subjects) and promised I would be more careful next time. Exploring Paris was a lot like when I explored Amsterdam last year with a couple friends...there was a backpack, sleeping bag, purse, and not enough money (but is there ever? My answer: non. Both cities are filled with culture (though Amsterdam is a little more laid back and diverse...), great museums (I finally got to see the Louvre! More about that later), and have unique vibes. Synopsis of the trip: The Tetrel family is Catholic, and since the Pope was going to be in Paris from the 12-13th, and Paris is only an hour and a half away, we went for a Friday afternoon- Saturday afternoon trip. Sophie's parents live just outside of the city (eh, about a 20 minute Metro ride as I found out) in a small flat for the families of the Gendarmerie (I guess you would call it a special military police that handles civilian stuff...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Gendarmerie ). But it was small, and since I wasn't really into the Pope thing, I hung out until Sarah got home later that night. We all took the tram into Paris ensemble but I got off at a later stop so I would be closer to the center, and the Louvre in particular. Being the art-lover that I am, I was really upset that there wasn't time my last trip I was in Paris. So here are a few things that I wrote and if I'm not about to fall asleep (it's a 50/50), I'll write some more...which by no means means that you've gotta read it.

Friday 12 September 5:30PM
Forget the café by the river, I'm went straight for the beer! In my defense, it's too warm outside to drink un boisson chaud (a hot drink), and it is 5:30. I'd look a little silly and need something refreshing. So I ordered my petite bière and opened my calander and now I'm writing. Yes, calander...I forgot paper so this is all going down in the "Notes" section at the back of my planner.
After walking around for a bit, trying to get my bearings, I'm still trying to decide whether I would love living here or always feel out of place. I would definitely spend too much money but as strange as it may seem I think this is a place I'll enjoy wandering around alone...well, at least this trip. It's the ultimate place to people-watch...and I'm sure I'm being watched too--an obvious and rather interesting-looking tourist...but then this city is full of them, isn't it? Even I can point a few out (not the stereotypical Disneyland type though). With a dirty pack pack that has a grey sweatshirt (wait, what's that?) strapped on and a pair of flats in the side-pocket, a tattoo on my foot, a sleeping bag slung over my shoulder, and wide eyes looking at EVERYTHING, I'd say it's pretty obvious. I need another chair for all of my stuff...it's like carrying a person. But I am also sure I'd look just as out of place in my normal clothes...I wonder if they've ever heard of Volcom or Target...Anyways, a quick couple of cool things (yay alliteration!) I want to make note of: 1. I can feel the ground shake as the Metro goes by under me...2. From where I am sitting, drinking my beer (yes, it is quite amazing, still on the same one...), I can see the Eiffle Tower to the right and Notre Dame to the left, both accross the river (tonight the Pope will be speaking near here, and tomorrow he gives Mass...somewhere). Infront of me is a pretty busy street...not big, but busy. The Louvre is behind to my right (I'm going to go there around 6 when entrance is free for people 26 and younger...hey I'm saving 9Euro right there!) and infront of me are those picturesque street vendors with old magazines, books, trinkets, post cards, paintings, etc. The sun's still shining pretty bright, peeking through the trees that line this street (ok, this is the second table I sat at because at the first one, the sun wasn't so much peeking but casting evil stares into my eyes). I actually wish it was cooler...carrying a coat AND a sweatshirt is kind of a pain...But for now I'm off to find Sarah (Cyrille's sister who I'm going to stay with tonight) and hopefully grab something tastey to mange (manger) on.

Brandon saved my sanity a couple times in the 2 days I was in Paris...I'm sure glad I had minutes for my phone and that he knew I couldn't talk for long and knew what to say. After the Louvre...which took 45 minutes to get out of, I was tired, hungry and not so down for trying to find my way through the dark streets (I was told not to walk through dark streets alone...except that at night after 10 all of the streets are dark! No worries though, they weren't little, and there were a lot of people) especially when I talked to Sarah and realized I had about 45 minutes of Metro-riding to do to meet up with her. So wandering through Paris (this part I wasn't so familiar with), I called "the guy" and he reminded me to breathe (breathing has been a recurring theme since we met as he always had to tell me to breathe when I was working out "Don't hold your breath...it doesn't do any good to pass out while you're doing crunches..."). Although I was still exhausted (and a little cranky), I took a breath (and then a few more) and, low and behold, it helped. So on my little adventure through the part of Paris I didn't have my bearings in (who would have thought the river would help me so much), I stumbled accross L'Opera (So beautiful!!), Le Théatre de la Comedie Françise, and a random man on the street who thought I was Russian (he also named off a few Eastern European countries..), and was able to appreciate the beauty of the things I was seeing and the oddity (I guess I mean uniqueness?) of my situation.

Friday 12 September 11:45ish PM
Wow, I can take my shoes off and write...I almost don't even know where to begin. Ok, I don't know where to begin but only because there are too many places to begin and I've been thinking about this all day (it's true). Infact this will probably just be a bunch of beginnings because, let's face it, like it's fashion, an entry about Paris deserves to be unvonventional. And I just get it--either of them. (Are you ready for the convoluted mess that this is?)
I don't know whether I love it or hate it...there are so many inter-twining factors that I can't decide. II feel at home here, but if I have to talk to anyone in French (haha "talk," I use that term loosely). Here, I am comfortable with my façade, as long as I don't have to interact with anyone, i can blend in--or I can stand out. But there is something different about standing out when it's because of your voice, a voice that produces sounds that are strange to others. Ok, strange sounds and accents and all that. It would be even stranger if I used "strange" again. Oh. Shoot.
I don't have a camera, so no pictures; I don't have a sketch book, so no drawings, so I'll throw some words together to try to describe it, though none of the three could (or will be able to) do justice to how beautiful this early fall day in Paris was. It looked a lot colder than it was, I hope the pictures from the ridiculously priced disposable camera I bought, turn out. Last time I was here (April/May 2007), it was overcast. Oh, printemps. When I we got on the Metro, I thought it was going to be the same kind of thing, but when I emerged from the Galerie du Caroussel at the Louvre, (exiting Line 7 at Palais Royale/Musée du Louvre...it throws you directly into the entrance area/ gift shops and a full size mall), there was a blue sky with a few white (not fluffy) scattered clouds. I mean, literally a few. I knew that part, I remember the most random things, and as any other random thing I knew exactly where I was and how to get to where I didn't know I wanted to go. A little odd, because I remembered it like I take the same route every day to school (too bad I don't remember other things that way...like the French language). As I write with sore shoulders, back and neck, I wish I would have checked the backpack & sleeping bag there...at the coat check I didn't know existed. Hindsight sure is 20/20. When I was walking here I had to stop and buy a camera...tonight the sky was like all those romantic movies and picturesque postcards...yes, it was gorgeous. Really, i think the only way to put it is that it was very stereotypical "Paris," what everyone hopes to see when they're there. It would have been nice to share, but once again, I enjoyed it for what it was...looking back on it at least. It helped that I was wearing my favorite scarf from my grandma...black with a muted gold around the edges deep pink/red colored flowers with vivid green leaves. I have to say I have had a few éclaires in memory of her.

So I think that was what happened on Friday...I may post again about the Louvre, and I'll try to do Saturday soon...but quick recap: 2.5 hour drive from Verdun to the outskirts of Paris with 5 kids, 2 adults and some sleep (ok, a lot of sleep). Arrived, took the Metro in, went to the outside of the Louvre, walked down the street and explored a bit, bought a phone card from a Tabac (also called a Presse), kept walking, had a beer on the river, saw the Pope on the big-screen by Notre Dame, wandered around, met Sarah at le Fontaine St. Michel (Ah I didn't describe that! Well, it's amazing, I had a Tarte aux Pommes and a Coca Light, went back to the Louvre, went in and wandered around, tried to get out of the place for 45 minutes, finally was able to sortie, got lost and found L'Opera and some other cool places, got hit on my a creepy French man, took the Metro (again), met Sarah at St. Michel went to her appartment, wrote fell asleep. Woo!

All in all, I took the time to relax and explore...I am glad I had already been there, no matter how superficial my trip was (goNotreDame, goEiffleTower, goOutsideOfTheLouvre, goArcDeTriumph...) I saw all the big things...spent money on going to the top of the Eiffle Tower, Arc de Triumph etc. as rushed as it was. So now that those amazing monuments lasted the hundreds of years for me to see them, I got to soak it in...or try at least. It is a lot like my experience in France in general. I found a number of paralells between the two: It has been here for thousands of years. If something is going to change, it is going to change, regardless of whether I have seen it or not. All I can do is take in what I have the opportunity to take in and embrace it for what it is and not what I want it to be, not what it was or will be. At first I was upset that I wasn't going to be living in Paris, and although I still wonder what it would have been like, I have definitely lucked out with this family.
If you have any questions, want details, or want to point out that I forgot to finish a sentance and nothing makes sense, e-mail me! jennarohm@yahoo.com

Bon Nuit!
JM

PS Thanks for the e-mails! Sorry it takes me so long to respond!
PPS Best thing about French TV...besides the hilariously bad acting...there are SO FEW interruptions for commercials!

Paris, France. September 13 2008...it's just a bad one but the only one I have right now...and the weather was really a lot nicer...it just rained on the way back to Chez-Tetrel

It's Been A Long Time Comin'

2008-09-20T23:12:58Z

The guests are starting to leave...not that I was part of the party, but it means I can sneak upstairs and make some green tea and eat the left-over appetizers and dessert (yay!). Ok I'm not living life next to Vrack in the garage, I got dinner. But let's be honest, the table was too small, and I wouldn't be able to share much of my fabulous banter with the guests, so I opted out of the soirée. After today, it was nice to relax though. Well after a bout of home-sickness and all that garbage. Any-whos-its, so much to catch up on I guess. I'll start with the last couple days and then translate my chicken-scratch from Paris, and what I remember (To Do List: Stop putting things off, it's so much more fun to have something to assist my sad attempt at vivid recollections). But until then...

We went to the pool this morning. The last time we all went was my first weekend here...it seems like forever ago for sure...and that was when Cyrille's sister was in town. I thought I'd never be able to go without a fourth person (it's surprisingly difficult to handle, even with 4 adults and 4 kids...). Gosh that first week, I dreaded the thought of Sarah leaving (eek! I still remember my dread waking up on Sunday and knowing that I was going to have to do the stuff that I had just been somewhat helping her with...by helping I most definitely mean standing back a few feet and observing with fear). Cepandent (en Anglais, However...), it was quite a bit of fun. Oh what kids being used to (slash getting used to) does. OK, so pool, back on track. Sophie had an interview this morning for a second job (If she gets it I get more mone so GO SOPHIE!!) as a secretary (more than that actually) so while she was gone the kids played, I chased Max around the house, and Marie-Pia chased me around the house...Well since there was going to be a dinner party, Cyrille put on some music and started cleaning things up in the Sitting Room and the Dining Room. Ok, music leads to dancing with the two little ones, which leads to Marie-Pia putting on her princess dress, crown and bracelette, which leads to Max trying to take the beads off of her princess dress, which leads to Jean coming in to try to control the situation, which leads to Beaudoin running in and doing soumersaults on the floor (he's just a ball of energy). So this all leads to one hurricaine of energy (Vianney was mad at me, so he was off playing upstairs...I'll explain later if I remember).
So all of this together leads to a nice little dance party (after Max stops trying to take the beads, Jean goes upstairs, etc.). Circles and circles. I love when we dance because they love it when I look silly...so the laugh, they love going in circles...so they laugh, they love being twirlled around...so they laugh. It's like the Sound of Music...but these kids are most definitely not deprived of love or laughter, this is a house filled with both. So tons of twrilling later, we start getting ready to leave for the pool. Eh, getting ready isn't the right word. Leaving for the pool = piece of cake. Arriving at the pool, getting everyone dressed and showered, and trying to stop the kids from running around the pool is the difficult part. So it's fun. Basically the pool = a bundle of joy. A really really extremely tiring bundle of joy. Forget swimming laps, SO not necessary. So between the three of us we were able to keep the kiddies kind-of under control? I like playing with the three oldest the most...they can all swim so I chase after them like a shark. I mean I guess I try to do what I remember Mom doing with me...because I am STILL sad that I'm too big for that. I would probably launch them but I don't want to get yelled at in French (it has happened, it was unpleasant)...like spinning them around like in a washing machine. Yeah, kids laughing is good.
One of Sophie's friends was over this afternoon, I see her at school every day and has 4 kids, expecting her 5th (very expecting), with her son (about Max's age) and daughter (about Marie-Pia's age). Ok they're adorable...blonde hair, blue eyes, the mom is gorgeous! And the little girl comes in while I'm giving Max's bath, pointing out colors to me... So there was another dance session that went on...so much fun. Wow, and that's about all). I already lived it once, I'm just as tired rethinking it. Especially after watching the kids last night!!
Okay, I'm off to sleep, I'll try to post again(?) tomorrow...about Paris, etc. But if I do it now...it'll just be more of this rambling. Bon Nuit et bisous!
J